Pest identification
What's eating my coast redwood bonsai?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, yellowing foliage and fine webbing — most common when humidity is low or the tree is drought-stressed
Control: Mist foliage daily in hot weather; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase ambient humidity around the tree
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy bumps along branches and bark; sap drain causes yellowing needles and weakened growth; sooty mold on honeydew
Control: Apply horticultural oil spray; remove colonies manually with a soft brush; treat in late winter with dormant oil for best control
Bark beetles
Signs: Tiny entry holes in bark, resin bleeding, and branch dieback — target weakened or drought-stressed trees only
Control: Prevent stress through consistent watering and feeding; remove and destroy any infested branches promptly
Keep coast redwood bonsai pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Coast Redwood Bonsai pests — FAQ
What is eating my coast redwood bonsai?
Coast Redwood bonsai are exceptionally pest-resistant — high tannin content deters most insects. Spider mites are the main risk in arid environments or during hot summers indoors. Bark beetles and scale can affect stressed trees. Keep the tree well-watered and humid to maintain its natural defenses.
How do I get rid of spider mites on coast redwood bonsai?
Stippled, yellowing foliage and fine webbing — most common when humidity is low or the tree is drought-stressed Mist foliage daily in hot weather; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase ambient humidity around the tree
How do I get rid of scale insects on coast redwood bonsai?
Waxy bumps along branches and bark; sap drain causes yellowing needles and weakened growth; sooty mold on honeydew Apply horticultural oil spray; remove colonies manually with a soft brush; treat in late winter with dormant oil for best control
How do I get rid of bark beetles on coast redwood bonsai?
Tiny entry holes in bark, resin bleeding, and branch dieback — target weakened or drought-stressed trees only Prevent stress through consistent watering and feeding; remove and destroy any infested branches promptly